Francis and Kaiora Tipene are the passionate proprietors of Tipene Funerals. This is a unique opportunity to look behind the scenes of their business and into this little-explored but vital service, where our culture's last taboo is being addressed with dignity and aroha.
Showing Season 5 of 6
Season 5
2022
No overview available.
01. The sun shines as I shed a tear
2022-04-19
Francis enlists the help of Nikora and Brady to get his latest purchase of angel statues ready for Kaiora's approval and a Māori Muslim tangi is the first of its kind for Tīpene Funerals.
02. Connections between people cannot be severed whereas those of a canoe-rope can
2022-04-26
Francis and the Porirua staff rehearse songs for a promotional performance at a local rest home which provides lots of laughs and delights the residents.
03. Gloom and sorrow prevail, day and night
2022-05-03
Francis acquires yet another gym membership and struggles through his first PT session. Feleki trains as an embalmer and news of a further lockdown has devastating consequences.
04. Let us nurture our sister and she will mourn for us
2022-05-10
A power outage challenges Jay in the mortuary, while Covid restrictions mean families need to get creative to grieve their loved ones.
05. Love received demands love returned
2022-05-17
The staff are being measured up for bespoke tailored suits; Tamale finds the process intrusive while Fehi quite enjoys it. A staunch Warriors fan is dressed in her supporter gears as the family prepares to lay her to rest. He maimai aroha tenei ki a Rachel Elizabeth Curry rāua ko Ivoni Fo Holoholo a Tungi Vaea.
06. The cycle is complete
2022-05-24
The death of a beloved Tipene whanau member is complicated by Francis' health issues. While the staff seem unconcerned about Francis' absence, Kaiora's nursing skills leave a lot to be desired. He maimai aroha tenei ki a Pio Wiremu Jacobs.
07. When the fern frond dies, another rises in its place
2022-05-31
Francis makes a visit to the Porirua branch to cover for COVID-sick staff and is challenged by basic technology as Kaiora comes to the rescue. A loved grandfather and member of the local RSA makes the long journey north to be buried with his parents.
08. When a shoal of maomao passes seaward of Nukutaurua, they will never return
2022-06-07
It's Kaiora's birthday and the staff lay on a surprise lunch - however the terrible shock that awaits them all will send celebrations crashing. He maimai aroha tenei ki a Stanley Neho.
